PLN accelerates Sumatra transmission line projects
Monday, August 28 2017 - 02:03 AM WIB
State-owned electricity firm PT PLN aims to accelerate construction of 150 kV and 500 kV transmission line projects in Sumatra totaling 19,000 circuit kilometers in a bid to transmit excess power particularly from South Sumatra to North Sumatra.
PLN Director for Sumatra Region, Wiluyo Kusdwiharto said over the weekend that as per the first semester of this year, PLN has completed construction of Sumatra transmission lines totaling 1,658-km from Lahat in South Sumatra to Payakumbuh in West Sumatra; Sarulla-Sidempuan (North Sumara); and Pangkalan Susu-Galang (North Sumatra).
?In the near future, (transmission line) from Payakumbuh-Padang Sidempuan totaling 600 km will start operation,? he said.
Wiluyo explained that the transmission lines are required to transmit electricity particularly from South Sumatra Province, where most coal-fired power plant projects are being developed, to North Sumatra Province, where power demand is much higher.
He added that PLN currently has completed acquisition of land required for the construction of 2,213 electricity towers.
As per the middle of August, PLN has completed construction of 150 kV transmission line in Bukit Kemuning-Liwa toaling 120 km and a substation (GI Liwa 30 MVA); and 150 kV 21.48 km transmission line Tenayan- Perawang and a 60 MVA transformer at the GI Perawang.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak